The European play-off final of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers saw Italy take the lead with a goal from Kean, but then suffered a setback when Bastoni was sent off and a goal was conceded. Ultimately, they lost 1-4 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, failing to qualify for the World Cup finals.

Three minutes into the match, Bosnia and Herzegovina created an attacking opportunity. Dzeko received the ball and crossed it into the box, where Bayrakatarjevic attempted a shot but it was cleared. In the 7th minute, Demirovic received a pass from Ivan Sunjic and fired a long-range shot from near the penalty area, but the ball was caught by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma.

In the 13th minute, Italy launched a counter-attack from a corner kick, but Tonali's shot hit the side netting and posed no threat. In the 15th minute, Barella gained possession and passed the ball diagonally to Kean, who unleashed a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, giving Italy a 1-0 lead.

In the 17th minute, Dzeko received a cross from Bayrakatarjevic at the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a long-range shot, but the ball went over the bar. In the 20th minute, Bosnia and Herzegovina took a corner kick, and Ivan Basic received the ball and fired a shot, but it was saved by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. In the 24th minute, Bayrakatarjevic chipped a pass into the box, and Katic headed the ball towards goal, but Donnarumma collected it.

In the 38th minute, Bosnia and Herzegovina launched another attack. Bayrakatarjevic delivered a cross, and Demirovic's header went wide of the post. In the 41st minute, Bosnian striker Memic was tackled by Bastoni while receiving the ball, and the referee showed Bastoni a red card. Italy had to continue with 10 players.

At the start of the second half, Italy substituted Palestella for Politano. In the 51st minute, Ivan Basic received a pass from his teammate and unleashed a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball was saved by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. In the 60th minute, Kean regained possession and sprinted into the penalty area before shooting, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 79th minute, Amar Dedic crossed the ball, and Dzeko's header was saved by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. Tabakovic then followed up and scored, leveling the score at 1-1 for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the 105th minute of extra time, Palestella chipped a pass into the box, and Pio Esposito headed the ball towards goal, but it was saved by Bosnian goalkeeper Varisi.

With the score tied after regulation time, the match went to penalties. In the first round, Tahirovic scored, while Pio Esposito's penalty went high. In the second round, Tabakovic and Tonali both found the net.

In the third round, Arajbegovic scored, while Cristante's penalty hit the post. In the fourth round, Bayrakatarjevic scored a penalty.

Ultimately, Italy was eliminated by Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-4 in a penalty shootout, failing to qualify for the World Cup finals.

Image source: Internet